Community plantings for national tree day LOCAL EVENT LISTING

Do something good for the environment whilst reconnecting with the outdoors when community planting events are held at three local sites to mark National Tree Day.

Baw Baw Shire, in its 15th year of participation, will coordinate planting events in Brooker Park, Warragul on Sunday and Charldon Park, Warragul on Friday, August 4 and Saturday, August 5.

In addition, Tanjil Valley Landcare Group will hold a planting event in Willow Grove on Friday, August 4.

Combined with four local school events, volunteers hope to plant over 4600 native trees and plants in West Gippsland.

The Brooker Park planting event will run from 10am to 2pm on Sunday between the Warragul North Tennis Courts and St Paul’s gym in Bowen Street. This site provides habitat for several threatened species and the activity is a chance to take part in an exciting conservation project and meet other residents.

The planting event at Charldon Park will run from 1pm to 4.30pm on Friday, August 4 and 9am to 12noon on Saturday, August 5. Charldon Park is a linear reserve that runs between Pharaohs Rd and Canawindi Drv, with the plantings to regenerate and beautify the area whilst providing habitat for native wildlife.

Tanjil Valley Landcare Group will continue planting indigenous vegetation alongside a walking track the group built along the shore of Blue Rock Lake. It will take place between 10am and 12noon on Friday, August 4 with a barbecue lunch at the conclusion. The site is located on Old Tanjil Rd, Willow Grove.

National Tree Day manager Debbie Agnew said this year’s theme “Be Inspired – It’s in Our Nature”, invites everyone to branch out and be inspired by our unique natural environment.

“Spending time in nature elevates the human spirit, and ignites our passion, inspiration, and creativity,” said Ms Agnew. “Australia has some of the most unique and beautiful natural environments in the world, and participating in National Tree Day in your community, school, workplace or backyard is a great way to connect with nature and do something really positive to support our environment.”

Baw Baw Shire mayor Joe Gauci said National Tree Day was a great opportunity to join thousands of community groups, clubs and every day Australians across the country that volunteer their time and provide a helping hand to better our environment.

“Brooker Park is an important location as it runs along Hazel Creek and provides habitat for several threatened species,” said Cr Gauci. “We are aiming to revegetate the area to improve habitat, water quality and to increase biodiversity.

“We’re proud to be able to support Planet Ark at a local level and see more trees being planted here in Baw Baw Shire. Community activities like this make a real difference to our local environments and the success of our previous planting days is a testament to this.”

“All you need to do is turn up and bring your own gloves,” added Cr Gauci. “We’ll also be putting on a barbecue to feed our hungry helpers, so come on down for a fun-filled afternoon.”

For further information or to RSVP to the community planting events, visit treeday.planetark.org or call 1300 885 000.